Drogba ready to take time

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has vowed to take his time in his come back from summer knee surgery.

Drogba, 30, has not made a first-team appearance for the Blues since he was sent off in May's Champions League Final defeat to Manchester United in Moscow.

The Ivory Coast international stepped up his comeback after playing 60 minutes of a reserve team outing against Arsenal in which he set-up a first-half goal in a 3-2 victory.

But although manager Luiz Felipe Scolari hopes to have the striker available for their first game after the international break, Drogba himself is less certain about putting a precise timescale on his return.

"I had good feelings but it is a bit early to say I am in good shape," he said.

"It's hard as this is the first time for many years I have been out for three months and it is really difficult to come back.

"I need time but the good thing is the club understands this and knows that, when I am, I will give everything for the team."